The five “Vineyards of the Surrey Hills” celebrated the formation of a new English wine region, offering outstanding wines, beautiful views and a warm welcome with a weekend of events at each of their vineyards in June 2019.
Read on for an impression of what was on offer at the launch weekend, or
click here for the current seasons highlights around the Vineyards of the Surrey Hills.
The full programme of what was on offer is below
Greyfriars Vineyard
Saturday 8 June - Open Day, 10am - 4pm Free Entry - No Booking Required
Meet the winemaker, vineyard manager and the rest of the Greyfriars team and taste your way through our range of award winning wines on our viewing deck overlooking the Surrey Hills. Tutored tastings, impromptu vineyard walks and a special Vineyards of the Surrey Hills masterclass with owner/winemaker Mike Wagstaff will also be on the menu for the day. A relaxed atmosphere in the gorgeous setting of our vineyard makes this fun for all the family. We look forward to seeing you there!
Sunday 9 June - Cellar Door Opening and Afternoon Tea at the Vineyard - 10am - 5pm
Visit our brand new Cellar Door Shop any time between 10am and 5pm and members of the Greyfriars team will be on hand to serve tasters and chat about our winemaking and vineyard processes. We will also be teaming up with a local baker based in the Surrey Hills to provide you with a delightful selection of handmade cakes to enjoy with a glass of Greyfriars sparkling wine in the stunning surroundings of our 40-acre vineyard.
Chilworth Manor Vineyard
Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June - Open Day, 12pm – 5pm Tour booking required
Contemporary English wines rooted in Chilworth’s history – Chilworth Manor has its roots in a history spanning nearly a thousand years with many inhabitants contributing to its evolution. Most famously Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough (recently featured in the award winning movie “The Favourite”), but also Saxons, Normans, monks, pilgrims, gunpowder manufacturers and Lord & Lady Heald. The vineyard, nestled in the beautiful Surrey Hills, is adding another layer to this rich history.
During the Vineyards of the Surrey Hills launch weekend we offer a unique opportunity to visit both the vineyard and the gardens of Chilworth Manor between 12 - 5 pm. There will be tours of the vineyard at 12 noon and 2.30 pm each day with a talk about the vines we grow and the vineyard in general. The tour includes tastings of our 2018 harvest Rosé as well as some of the wines from the other vineyards in the Surrey Hills. Tour places are limited, so booking is essential.
The garden of Chilworth Manor will be open for exploring on both days. The history of Chilworth Manor will come to life in scenes performed by the Wonersh Players at 2, 3 and 4 pm in the garden and will give you an insight in life at the Manor and its owners during the last 1,000 years. There will be tastings in the garden and the chance to buy the 2018 Still Rose, with some savoury snacks as well as coffee, tea and ice-cream, but feel free to bring a picnic! Entry to the garden is £6 (proceeds go to NGS) and free to those taking the tour - feel free to bring your own picnic!
Why not immerse yourself in the history of Chilworth Manor whilst enjoying our Rosé by the glass or bottle.
Albury Organic Vineyard
Saturday 8th June - Open Cellar Door Day, 11am – 5pm Tour booking required
Enjoy our free self-guided tour of the vineyard, taste our award-winning sparkling wines and Silent Pool Rosé, and relax with a glass of bubbly on our vineyard patio. Children, dogs and muddy boots welcome (kids will love our vineyard toy trail)!
Guided tours of the vineyard will run at 11am and 2pm, and they’re a great way to learn more about us, our passion for organics, and our love for great English wine. Tours are £20/person and must be booked in advance.
Sunday 9th June - Albury Wine Festival to celebrate Albury Vineyard's 10th Anniversary, 11am – 5pm Booking required
Join us in celebrating 10 years since we planted the vineyard! This very special open day features tours of the vineyard, a pop-up wine bar and wood-fired pizza oven, and live jazz music from the FB Pocket Orchestra. Plus masterclasses with English wine expert John Mobbs and sommelier Emily Lambert (winner of Channel 4’s Million Pound Menu) offer a unique chance to taste wines from all five Vineyards of the Surrey Hills. Early-bird booking is advised.
High Clandon Estate Vineyard
Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June, 11am - 4pm
Art & Sculptures in the Vineyard exhibition Donation requested
In this atmospheric setting enjoy the beautiful artworks arranged in the dreamy wildflower meadow, gardens and vineyard with its sweeping views over the beautiful Surrey Hills and dramatic views to London’s distant skyline. Over 150 works of art by noted artists will be on display in the Glass Barn and vineyard gardens. More information about Art & Sculpture is available here.
Wine by the glass and tasting available of their 2014 vintage Halcyon Cuvée and Liqueur at £5/glass in the Glass Barn.
£5 donation to Cherry Trees charity requested. Cherry Trees will benefit also from a percentage of any art and wine sales made.
Saturday 8th June, 12 noon and 3 pm and Sunday 9th June, 12 noon
The ‘Battle of Waterloo’ Sparkling wine vs Champagne Taste-off Booking required
Another treat awaits - your chance to sample outstanding English sparkling wines vs French champagnes, run by polymath, raconteur, the 'whirlwind of wine', Joe Wadsack and experience the Napoleonic sabreur - the art of removing the champagne cork with a flourish! You get to choose who wins this battle of the taste-buds!
The Art & Sculpture in the Vineyard (with over 150 works of art) will also be open at High Clandon to enjoy before or after the battle!
£20 per person. Pre-Booking essential through email finewine@highclandon.co.uk, our website or by phone 01483 225660.
Denbies Wine Estate
Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June, 9.30am - 6pm
Enjoy live music on the lawn throughout the day. A selection of refreshments and locally sourced sharing platters will be available and the opportunity to take part in two special Vineyards of the Surrey Hills activities to celebrate the launch.
Secret Vineyard Trail, 11am & 2pm Booking required
The Secret Vineyard Trail takes you at a leisurely pace to some of the most beautiful viewing points in the vineyard and areas not normally accessible to the public, including the Yew Tree Vineyard. Selected tastings will be served along the way. Experience magnificent panoramic views of the 265 acres under vine, with far reaching views over the Denbies Estate and the North Downs. Running at selected times throughout the day. Cameras are strongly recommended.
Special ‘Vineyards of the Surrey Hills' Launch price: £15.00 per person
Sunday 9 June, 12 - 6 pm
‘Vineyards of the Surrey Hills' Wine Tasting No booking required
To celebrate the collaboration of 5 vineyards located within the stunning Surrey Hills, taste a selection of their exquisite wines against some of Europe’s finest sparkling wines.
£5 per person
Visit our website or call 01306 876616 to book
Vineyards of the Surrey Hills Pop Up Restaurant
Saturday 8 June, 6 - 10pm
For one night only, you can be part of a unique dining experience launching the UK's newest wine region.
With panoramic views of London, our pop up restaurant will feature wines from all five Surrey Hills vineyards and exceptional produce from the surrounding area.
Head chef for this amazing culinary event is Dan Britten (Masterchef) and Emily Lambert (Million Pound Menu) is our guest sommelier.
To make a reservation, please visit www.atableoutside.com
